Trade Updates
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Key Changes to Ad Valorem Duty Rate, Tariff Modifications and De Minimis for China
An Executive Order has been issued modifying the United States’ reciprocal tariff framework with China, following early signs of trade cooperation. The order temporarily lowers punitive tariff rates, suspends several HTSUS provisions, and defers a planned duty hike on low-value imports—all effective May 14, 2025.
U.S. and China Announce Landmark Trade Agreement
Effective May 14, 2025, the U.S. will suspend 24 percentage points of its 34% reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods for 90 days—retaining a 10% baseline = 145% to 30%. In parallel, China will suspend 24 percentage points of its 34% tariff on U.S. goods for 90 days, maintain a 10% baseline = 125% to 10%, eliminate recent retaliatory tariffs, and withdraw non-tariff measures imposed since April 2, 2025. Full details here.
U.S.-UK Reach Historic Trade Deal
The U.S. and U.K. have announced a landmark Economic Prosperity Deal to boost trade, reduce barriers, and secure supply chains. The agreement opens $5 billion in new export opportunities for U.S. producers and lays the foundation for deeper, fairer economic ties.
GHY International Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 17th Year
We are proud to announce that once again, GHY has been announced a winner of Canada's Best Managed Companies, retaining its Platinum Club status for the 11th consecutive year, maintaining its status as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for the past 17 years. Full details here.
CBP Guidance: When to File Separate Informal Entries for One Consignee
CBP has clarified when separate informal entries may be filed for shipments consigned to a single consignee. The guidance outlines exceptions to the general rule requiring one entry per conveyance and explains when multiple informal entries may be used under specific regulatory conditions.
Tariff Relief Tied to U.S. Auto Assembly Under Section 232
Under the amended Section 232 policy, automakers that assemble and sell vehicles in the U.S. can earn tariff credits to offset the cost of imported auto parts—part of the Trump administration’s strategy to reduce foreign dependence and strengthen national security.
CBP Clarifies Reciprocal Tariff In-Transit Exemption: Ocean Vessels Only
CBP has confirmed that only ocean vessel shipments qualify for the in-transit exemption from new reciprocal tariffs. Importers who incorrectly used the exemption code for non-vessel shipments must take immediate corrective action.
Executive Order Issued to Prevent Tariff Stacking on U.S. Imports
Trump’s latest Executive Order aims to eliminate overlapping tariffs from stacking on the same goods, aiming to simplify U.S. trade enforcement while preserving national security duties.
Public Comments Requested: Help Shape U.S. National Security Truck Import Policy
The Department of Commerce invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to submit feedback on the Section 232 national security review of truck imports. Make sure your voice is part of the conversation—submit your comments by May 16, 2025, via regulations.gov (Docket ID BIS-2025-0024).
USA Trade Advisory: Accurate Customs Invoices Are More Important Than Ever
With tighter enforcement from CBP and looming changes to de minimis thresholds, now is the time to audit your customs documentation for accuracy and compliance. This guide breaks down what you need to review—and how GHY can help you stay ahead of costly penalties.
Recover Your Surtax
Canada has issued the United States Surtax Remission Order (2025) to provide targeted relief from 25% surtaxes on U.S. goods used in health care, public safety, manufacturing, and essential supply chains. The Order includes a detailed schedule of eligible products and applies to imports made before October 16, 2025.
Processing De Minimis Shipments from China through ACE (Updated CBP Guidance)
Effective May 2, 2025, goods from China and Hong Kong are no longer eligible for the de minimis exemption and must be formally entered in ACE using Type 11 or Type 01. CBP will reject de minimis and ET86 entries for covered shipments, with detailed processing guidance issued for air, truck, and international mail modes.
U.S. Surtax Remission Order – Critical Imports
Canada has issued the United States Surtax Remission Order (2025) to provide targeted relief from 25% surtaxes on U.S. goods used in health care, public safety, manufacturing, and essential supply chains. The Order includes a detailed schedule of eligible products and applies to imports made before October 16, 2025.
U.S. Surtax Remission Order – Motor Vehicles 2025
Canada has introduced a new Remission Order to ease the impact of the 25% surtax on U.S.-origin motor vehicles, offering targeted relief to eligible importers. The measure applies to commercial imports made between April 9, 2025, and April 8, 2026, under strict eligibility and documentation requirements.
U.S. Counters China’s Shipbuilding Dominance with Section 301 Action
The USTR has announced phased Section 301 measures targeting China’s dominance in shipbuilding, logistics, and maritime sectors, following a year-long investigation. The action includes new service fees, future transport restrictions, and proposed tariffs to strengthen U.S. supply chain resilience and domestic vessel production.
Canada’s Remission Process on Surtaxes (Updated)
On April 15, 2025, Canada introduced new support measures for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, including a performance-based remission for automakers, a six-month temporary tariff relief for critical U.S. imports, and a loan facility to help large enterprises maintain operations and jobs. See section U.S. Tariff Dispute Support for full details.
CBP Guidance on Reciprocal Tariff Effective April 5 and April 9, 2025 (Updated)
CBP has issued updated guidance implementing reciprocal tariffs, requiring additional duties on most imported goods beginning April 5, 2025, with country-specific rates effective April 9, 2025, while excluding products properly classified under specified HTSUS provisions (e.g., 8471 - 8542) if importers report secondary classification 9903.01.32 and update entries within 10 days of release to claim exemption under Executive Order 14257, as amended.
China Imposes Sweeping 125% (up from 84%) Tariff on U.S. Imports
In a sharp escalation of the U.S.–China trade war, China announced it will impose 34% tariffs on all American imports starting April 10, 2025. The move directly responds to President Donald Trump's newly imposed 34% tariff on all Chinese goods, bringing total U.S. duties on Chinese imports to over 54% when combined with previous measures. China also blacklisted 11 U.S. tech and defense firms and rolled out new export controls, signaling a significant breakdown in economic relations between the two global powers.
U.S. De Minimis Exemption Ends for China Low-Value Imports – Tariff Increases (Postal Items)
Effective May 2, 2025, the U.S. will end de minimis duty-free treatment for imports from China and Hong Kong, requiring formal or informal entry for all shipments—including those by mail—and imposing a 120% ad valorem tariff or, for postal items, a per-item duty of $100 (rising to $200 on June 1); no duty drawback is available on the tariff. Carriers must report shipment details to CBP, maintain international bonds, and remit duties on schedule, with CBP authorized to enforce compliance and require formal entry for any package.
U.S. Enforces on China 125% Reciprocal Tariff
Effective April 10, 2025, U.S. imports from China and Hong Kong will face a 125% reciprocal tariff, up from 84% on April 9. This is in addition to the 20% IEEPA Fentanyl Tariff imposed on March 4 (previously 10% on February 4).
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